CLEMENCY Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'clemency' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of clemency are charity , grace , leniency , and mercy . While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing. // the judge refused to show clemency

Q: When would 'charity' be a good substitute for 'clemency'?

While the synonyms charity and clemency are close in meaning, charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others. // show a little charity for the less fortunate

Q: In what contexts can 'grace' take the place of 'clemency'?

The synonyms grace and clemency are sometimes interchangeable, but grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions. // by the grace of God

Q: When is it sensible to use 'leniency' instead of 'clemency'?

Although the words leniency and clemency have much in common, leniency implies lack of severity in punishing. // criticized the courts for excessive leniency

Q: When is 'mercy' a more appropriate choice than 'clemency'?

While in some cases nearly identical to clemency , mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it. // threw himself on the mercy of the court

clemency

noun

ˈkle-mən(t)-sē

Definition of clemency next

as in mercy

kind, gentle, or compassionate treatment especially towards someone who is undeserving of it the judge chose to show clemency to the truly repentant embezzler

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun clemency differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of clemency are charity, grace, leniency, and mercy. While all these words mean "a disposition to show kindness or compassion," clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

When would charity be a good substitute for clemency?

While the synonyms charity and clemency are close in meaning, charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

In what contexts can grace take the place of clemency?

The synonyms grace and clemency are sometimes interchangeable, but grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

When is it sensible to use leniency instead of clemency?

Although the words leniency and clemency have much in common, leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

When is mercy a more appropriate choice than clemency?

While in some cases nearly identical to clemency, mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of clemency Former American Senior Communities CEO James Burkhart was among nearly 1,500 people whose sentences Biden commuted Thursday as part of what the White House has described as the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history. —

Tony Cook, The Indianapolis Star, 14 Dec. 2024 Pope Francis, the late Nelson Mandela and James Reynolds, a prosecutor in the case, have all lobbied for clemency or a pardon. —

Zack Budryk, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024 Biden to commute sentences of 1,500 ‘non-violent’ offenders President Joe Biden will commute the sentences of almost 1,500 offenders and pardon 39 others, in what the White House says is the biggest number of commutations and clemencies granted in a single day. —

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024 President Biden on Thursday commuted the sentences of 1,500 Americans who were placed in home confinement during the pandemic and pardoned another 39 people in what the White House said is the record for clemency in a single day. —

Andrew Childers, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clemency